Well I just returned from the dealer. One of the techs took a ride with me and he isolated the whining noise to the rear axle. Apparently I have excessive backlash so I get a rebuild on my Dana 44. Lucky it's under warranty!
On another note, I have to give that dealership kudos. Everyone was friendly and very professional. When the tech got in my Jeep he even knocked the snow off his shoes before getting in. I expect I'll be well taken care of there since they seem to pay attention to the little things. The dealer is Owl Chrysler Jeep in Honesdale, Pa.